It’s the world’s oldest member-owned co-operative with a great reputation, and the best wines at The Wine Society continue to offer great value, a sense of adventure, high quality or, if you choose well, a combination of all three. The name might sound old-fashioned and a little conservative but Wine Society members, who now number around 183,000, are loyal and adventurous. The biannual press tastings are considered by critics as essential events in the industry calendar and are a great way of building an impression of the best wines at The Wine Society, as well as the overall character of the range and how it’s evolving.
The range is vast, extending to almost 2,000 wines, meaning there’s something to suit everyone’s palate or budget, and is arguably the best it has ever been. The cost of wine continues to rise, courtesy of tax increases and inflation, but The Wine Society’s unusual ownership structure means that it can operate with lower margins than commercial rivals, so it has, to an extent, kept a lid on prices.
The best wines at The Wine Society continue to represent great value, adventure, high quality, or a combination of all three
Upholding the Society’s reputation for unearthing interesting, well priced gems, this year’s range includes some esoteric styles, including a solera-system sparkler from Portugal, a rare red from Jura and its first cuvées from China, while its emphasis on sustainability is enhanced, with wines from ‘The Society’s Pioneers’, those who go above and beyond to make a difference. For a selection of the best Wine Society wines in the current range, scroll on for our top 10 list, which features a pair of wines, both of them around £10, that offer exceptional value for summer-party sipping.
What are the IWSC National Drinks Retail Awards?
The IWSC National Drinks Retail Awards were introduced to provide consumers with an in-depth evaluation of alcoholic beverage offerings from supermarkets and online retailers, inclusive of non-alcoholic alternatives. A panel of judges spend months evaluating the biggest in the UK. Attending supermarket tastings forms part of this process, offering judges the chance to taste many of the wines available in-store and see how buyers are responding to trends and consumer demand.
More from Club Oenologique
Club O is a premium lifestyle brand for curious and discerning wine and spirits lovers. Renowned for inspiring stories and trusted expertise, we connect people to the joys of the world, through the lens of wine, spirits and other interesting drinks. Based in London, our team of expert writers seek out thoughtful stories that introduce our readers to new people, places, drinking discoveries and insights, as well as exploring fresh perspectives on familiar themes.
